New Orleans Hornets shooting guard Eric Gordon went through a rigorous pre-game workout prior to Saturday night's game against the Indiana Pacers and general manager Dell Demps said Gordon had been cleared for full-contact practices that will take place next week.

"He worked out today and we'll integrate him into practices next week, and then we'll make evaluations and hopefully get him back soon," Demps said. "Once he's at a point where we feel he's ready to play an NBA game, then we'll have him play."

The Hornets schedule calls for two practice days next week, Monday and Thursday, around a Wednesday night game at the Orlando Magic, with a possibility there could be a Christmas day workout as well.